About the Dirty Bottles

The return of the Dirty Bottles

The Dirty Bottles or as the locals in Alnwick, Northumberland say it, 'Thi Dorty Bottles', has been open for over two centuries and the building is thought to have been constructed in the 1600's.

The pub was previously called Ye Old Cross Inn but due to the famous "Curse of the Dirty Bottles", said bottles remained untouched in one of the front windows and a sign was affixed at the window, which read 'Dirty Bottles', so most local Alnwick folk adopted that name and we have continued with that tradition.

Scroll down the read more about the famous "Curse of the Dirty Bottles".

A dramatic Makeover

Current owner and proud local lad Mark Jones purchased the Bottles in late 2014 to save the iconic pub from being developed into flats. Mark drew upon the design talents of the award winning Collective Design and the skill of local tradesman to transform the almost derelict interior dramatically. This iconic freehouse pub now looks, feels and tastes different to anything else in Northumberland.

There's also some of the most sophisticated bar/restaurant technology in the North of England installed in the form of self service beer pumps, tasting walls and ordering booths. Read more about the technology here

Legend has it that, two centuries ago, the innkeeper dropped dead while interfering with the bottles in the window. His widow declared that anyone who did likewise would suffer the same fate. As a result, the “Dirty Bottles” were sealed between two windows and have lain untouched ever since.